key paradise

This trip is not sold properly, we signed up at the resort, we were told the difference between the cost is a glas of champagne and a lobster lunch. WRONG, we had a nice bus trip up to the boat, scenery is beautiful. When we got there, there was a catamaran anchored off shore, but this boat is for the people who paid the higher price, we were taken in motorboats, well the water was rough and we got bounced around, then when we got to the island, it is very small with 5 differnt huts on it from the various tour operators. We did snorkel, but did not see to much because it was rough out and the visibility was limited, Also thee is a very stron undertow, so be careful. I should have canceled and gone on a calm day. I am sure then the snorkelling would have been good.

This is one of the best excursions i've done. The island is beautiful with the soft white sand. They serve free drinks and some fruits. The snorkeling was amazing and they even give you bread to feed the fist with. I wish I was still there.

Boked trip through Amstar at the Iberostar Costa Dorado. Were told that it would be a 90 minute drive. It was 90 minutes before we picked up everyone at the other hotels and then an additional 90 minutes from there. It was a long, tiresome ride over the mountains to finally get to our embarkation point for a 20 minute boat ride to the island. It is really just a little sand bar. The snorkeling was OK, swam for 90 minutes or so. There were about 7 or 8 different companies with groups on that little sand bar the day we were there. Fruit, soda and drinks were provided We had a decent lunch of chicken, beans and salads and hen took the same tortuous ride back. Along the way back we stopped at a "cigar factory" (a couple of guys rolling cigars with tobacco leaves they purchased elsewhere). The hard sell was on for cigars, Mamijuina, paintings or other souvenirs. Snorkeling was OK, trip was long and tedious.

So we were told that we will go on a 30 minute drive and then go to an island in the middle of the ocean and spend around 4-5 hours there.We spent 1.5 hours on the bus to get there, and then a half hour speed boat ride, and by the time we got to the island it was full of people. We spent literally 40 minutes at the island before going back.Complete waste of a day in the DOminican, and 400$ the 4 of us spent

We paid the extra money and did the VIP Paradise Island - well worth the extra money! We had a excellent bigger boat pick us up with a light breakfast, we had an excellent lobster lunch on a private beach, the island and snorkeling was a lot of fun. The fish ate right from our hands. It was excellent and I would definitely recommend spending the extra money - well worth it!

Costs a bit more but the added value is by far worth the extra money. If you want a truly enjoyable full day on the ocean with fabulous snorkelling, dancing, great food and beautiful cruising, the VIP version of this excursion is the way to go.

Basically a sandbar off the coast - really neat, beautiful water, great snorkelling, fabulous day out!Terrible bus ride to get to the speedboats - 2 hours each way...ditch the obligatory visit to the "cigar factory"

This was an amazing trip, make sure you have all day, this is a chance in a lifetime this is a 12 hour day, snorkelling, champaign, lunch,

It was a long bus ride, but it was worth it. Great snorkeling and seeing the countryside was an experience

I spent almost seven hours on the bus and less than 20 minutes in the water. The so-called Paradise Island was a little spit of sand packed full of tourists. We were led on a swim/float past minimal damaged coral while the guide fed bread to fish. Without the feeding there would have been no fish. Although there were flocks of jellyfish! It lasted approximately 12 minutes. The different tour companies provided fresh fruit (nice) and free rum but did not allow individuals to go snorkeling alone. I had to be part of the group and the guides (who also enjoyed the free rum) had to be asked to take us out a second time. The lunch provided was not terrible, just rice and some grilled chicken and more rum (which the drivers also enjoyed. Hmm.) The ride home back to Puerto Plata should have been 1hr 45 minutes but stretched to almost four hours because they stopped to pick up and drop off locals and because they waited for one drunk couple to remember which hotel they were really staying at. It was the worst excursion I've ever had. They would not refund my money. If you like snorkeling DO NOT BUY THIS EXCURSION!!

We took a VIP boat experience and it included Paradise Key Island. It was amazing. The waters were crystal clear and the reef at the island was pretty cool. It was a really fun day and I would recommend it to anyone.

Snorkelling is amazing. The experience could be better but that day was very windy. Somehow I saw the fish around me. Great picture.

I was very desapointed about the VIP tour... we did it on speed boat in 2007 and was amazing... we wanted confort this time. Plastic seat McDonald restaurant style. No animation, the guide forgot us behing first thing in the morning and he spent the whole day texting sitting on the floor behind the bar. We had a tiny glass of champagne then the staff drank the rest. On paradise Island we lost half hour taking pictures then they forgot us behind again when they left snorkeling in the deep and they did not want me to goby myself... so I paid $300 US to look at poeple having fun without me and my husband... the staff on the Island was also texting all afternoon. The lunch was ok, the only good part of the day. Staff should not be aloud to use their phone while working...

Cayo Paraiso (Key Paradise or Paradise Island) was my last excursion of my DR trip after dune buggy and waterfalls. I agreed because my friend was really excited to do it. I'm not a strong swimmer so I after reading the reviews, I was a little fearful of being in the middle of the ocean.We were picked up in a tour bus/van and drove 1 hr 30 minutes to a beach in Puerto Rusia. We then all got life vests and took a speed boat to Paradise Island. The speedboat was a lot of fun, not scary at all. Paradise Island is beyond belief. Words cannot describe how beautiful it is. it's a tiny sandbar in the middle of the ocean. The water is so clear and blue. The sand is gorgeous. We were greeted by the snorkel instructor and given our equipment. Again, the snorkel instructor told everyone to follow him. The turquoise water is shallow (able to stand to chest deep), brown is where the coral are, and the dark blue water is deep. I stayed in the shallow end because of my lack of swimming experience. The captain of the speedboat, Ronald, came up to me and told said he would bring me into the deep water. He got me a life vest, showed me how to breathe properly in the snorkel tube and held my hand (literally) as we swam along. He was so patient and kind. Once I got the hang of it, I was able to enjoy the reef and deep water action. He never let go of my hand and I felt completely comfortable.You can bring a banana or bread into the water to attract the fish. My friend had a GoPro waterproof camera so we captured incredible video. The snorkel instructor even took the camera and took video of us swimming. He was able to dive to the bottom and get video down there too.We drove to a restaurant for lunch. We paid a little extra for the lobster and champagne. It was so worth it. Fried chicken, macaroni salad, potato salad, fresh vegetables. It was a hearty meal after an incredible day snorkeling.I'm so grateful that Hector (vendor on Playa Dorado) convinced us to choose this excursion. Thank you to Ronald and the other snorkel pros! This was an unforgettable experience for me. I wish I brought more money with me to tip them properly.

This is one of the most amazing experiences anyone could ever have! Be careful snorkeling because there may be some danger otherwise it is amazing!